Idaho Unemployment Benefits
The Idaho Department Of Labor provides Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to unemployed people to help them replace part of the income they lost when they become unemployed. However, one should meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for Idaho unemployment benefits. Below we have listed UI eligibility criteria and much more information.
Eligibility To Apply For UI Benefits In Idaho
An applicant must meet monetary and job separation requirements to be eligible for unemployment benefits in Idaho.
Monetary Eligibility
An applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria to monetarily qualify for unemployment benefits in Idaho:
- The applicant must have earned at least $1,872 in one-quarter of his or her base period
- The applicant must have wages in the remaining three quarters that are at least 25% of the wages in the highest quarter of the base period
Job Separation
The applicant must be unemployed through no fault of his or her own. The applicant will not receive benefits if he or she is unemployed due to any of the following reasons:
- The applicant was fired for misconduct
- The applicant voluntarily quit his or her job for reasons that are not considered as good-cause
- The applicant was fired for failing drug or alcohol test
- The applicant was fired for violating company policies
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
The applicant should maintain his or her eligibility to receive the Idaho unemployment benefits without any hassle. To maintain the eligibility, the applicant must:
- Be able to and available for work
- Actively look for work (contact at least two employers each week)
- Accept a job offer
- Register with idahoworks.gov
- Document and submit work search activities
- File weekly certifications
Find out on job search requirements
How To Apply For UI Benefits In Idaho?
To receive UI benefits in Idaho, the applicant must submit the following documents:
An applicant can apply for unemployment benefits in Idaho through any of the following ways:
Online
It is the safest way to apply for UI benefits. The applicant can file for benefits online at labor.idaho.gov/claimantportal. For interstate applications, the applicant can visit labor.idaho.gov/claimantportal.
Visit Local DOL
The applicant can also file for benefits at the nearest local Idaho Department of Labor office if he or she does not have access to the internet or computer.
Note – The applicant must serve the waiting week before starting to receive Idaho Unemployment Insurance benefits.
How To File Weekly Claims
The applicant must file weekly claims for each week he or she wishes to receive the payment. The applicant must file a weekly certification on the immediate Sunday following the end of the waiting week. The weekly certification can be filed by filling the application 24 hours a day, seven days a week online. The applicant can call (208) 332-8942 within 24 hours if there is an error in the application.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefits Amount
The weekly UI benefits amount depends on wages earned in the base period. The maximum weekly benefit an applicant can receive in Idaho is $335, and the minimum is $72.
Benefits Calculator
Use the benefits calculator to determine the estimated weekly unemployment benefit amount.
Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things To Know After Filing An Application
A claimant must know a few aspects after filing for Unemployment Insurance in Idaho.
Overpayments
Sometimes, a claimant may receive unemployment overpayment. An overpayment may occur due to any of the following reasons:
- Administrative errors
- Reversal of previous unemployment decision
- The applicant did not correctly report weekly earnings
- The applicant failed to notify the Idaho DOL when he or she refused to work
- The applicant hide facts about his job separation
- The applicant did not submit the necessary documentation to DOL
The claimant should repay the overpayment. The Department may seize bank accounts, hold future unemployment benefits and income tax refunds if the claimant fails to repay the amount. The Department may also file an administrative lien on personal property to recover the amount.
Note – The claimant can request a repayment plan if he or she can’t pay the amount in a lump sum. To request a payment plan, call 1-800-672-5627 or (208) 332-3573.
Overpayment Through Fraud
Individuals who defraud Idaho’s unemployment insurance system are subject to a possible felony conviction and must repay the entire amount in addition to penalties. These individuals will have to wait a minimum of 52 weeks and repay fraudulently received benefits in full before obtaining future benefits.
The penalty amounts are as follows:
- 1st offense: 25% of the overpayment amount
- 2nd offense: 50% of the overpayment amount
- 3rd (or more) offense: 100% of the overpayment amount
Benefits Extension
Normally, the state provides benefits for a maximum of up to 26 weeks. But if the unemployment rate is too, it may provide extended benefits. Visit Idaho DOL to know more about extended benefits.
Job Training Assistance
The Idaho Department Of Labor offers job search and training services to help job seekers get employed. Some of them include:
- Workshops
- Career search tool
- Resume creation
- Trade Act Assistance
The Department also provides the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a federally funded program designed to help the adult and dislocated workers.
I waited almost a month after I left my last job to file for unemployment. Will I receive a check for the 4 weeks that I was off work, but had not applied yet?
Jewels,
You will not be able to apply retrospectively.
I was terminated due to not performing at the skill level for a Registered Nurse, am I entitled to claim unemployment benefit ?
Teresa,
You might not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
If I live in SC but worked in Idaho from October 11, 2018 through February 1, 2019, and then was laid off, would I be able to receive unemployment benefits?
Gerard,
If you have active employment and earnings in the last 4-5 calendar quarters, please consider applying from the state where your employment was based.
I am laid off because of the Govt shut down. Can I receive unemployment until the shut down is over.
Kathy,
Good question. I am not completely sure of a definite answer. You may call the Unemployment Office to find out.
I can’t seam to login to the home page or claimant portal
Michael,
I hope you’re able to now. If you still have issues, please clear the browser cache and if the issue persists, call the Unemployment Office.
From January 1st 2016 until some time in the end of April 2016 I worked in North Dakota I started employment in Idaho august 20th 2016 through the end of the year. which state would I file for unemployment in?
Nathan,
Please file from the state where your previous employment was based.
I was wondering how I would go about getting this denial of my claim addressed. RESEA – Failure to Attend Interview. I did not receive any offers of employment via email nor did I receive any offers of employment via telephone. In neither of those options did I receive a notice of an interview either. What should I do?
Please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided in the letter for further instructions.
I CURRENTLY GETTING UNMPLOYMENT. MY QUESTION IS IF I STARTED SELLING AVON HOW DO I REPORT IT. BY THE WEEK I GET A CHECK OR AT THE END OF THE MONTH? DO I REPORT THE PROFIT OR THE WHOLE AMOUNT INCLUDING OF COST OF THE PRODUCT PLUS THE PROFIT.
With regard to earnings that are reported – it is always GROSS earnings – total amount earned during a specific time period (regardless of whether or not is is received). If you pay your taxes on this income yourself, you may be considered self employed. Self employed people do not pay into unemployment and therefore are not eligible for benefits. It is possible this could be viewed as a sideline business – meaning you could / will work a full time job for an employer. Let the local unemployment office know the specifics and they will let you know the impact.